Power Station charger.

"Martin Brown" wrote in message
...
Dave E wrote:
Hi All,
A few days ago I noticed that the charger supplied with the Power
Station

(http://www.telescopehouse.co.uk/page...ointerid=5BB8E
02EA50F4300800E0FF58870FF35&action=lnk) had split isolation coverings
immediately next to the moulded strain relief at the charger end. This
was
no doubt caused by cramming the unit into the Power stations "storage"
compartment in the rear.

Definitely junk the old charger if the mains side cable insulation is
dodgy.

Having a lot of computer related junk I looked into
all my old power supplies and found one which used to power a scanner I
had
several years ago. The specifications just about fitted the bill so I
tried
it. It seemed to charge the Power Station, although definitively it's
hard
to say. The charging lights did light up on the Power Station when
charging
and all lights came on showing a full charge. The new "charger" only
ever
got barely warm to the touch which I took to be a good thing.
Being cloudy here, NWest UK, I have only charged it once and thought I'd
ask
the knowledgeable folks on here if any damage will ensue if I carry on
using
it.
The specs a
Supplied Charger; 220~240 volt 50hz/12 volt DC400ma.
Substitute Charger; 220~240 volt 50hz/12 volt DC1.2amp.
As you can see the difference is in the amps. The substitute charger is
of a
much better construction than the original.
Any advice would be gratefully received.

Should be fine (an underrated unit would run too hot). Since the "Power
Station" is capable of being charged from a car battery it cannot be too
fussy about either voltage or current (an unloaded car battery is
typically around 14v and can source 200A without difficulty).

Another good place to pick up suitable PSUs at various voltages are
computer fairs. PSUs for dead portables sell for next to nothing.

Look carefully and you can find a range from 12-20v and 2-6A. You take
pot luck whether they are working but usually they are OK.

Regards,
Martin Brown

Thank you for the advice Martin. I can leave it unattended to charge without
worrying now.
Thanks again.
Dave.